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You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and T Pennack will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
T. Pennack and Sons is an independent, family-run funeral directors based in Chelmsford, Essex, with a remarkable history spanning seven generations. The business was founded in the early 1800s by Charles Pennack, a carpenter and builder in the village of Great Baddow, and has remained at the same location ever since. Today, the business is owned by Anthony and Angela Pennack, with their children Philip and Sarah serving as Directors, continuing the family legacy into the seventh generation.
As an independent business, T. Pennack and Sons is free from corporate pressures, allowing them to be flexible and fully responsive to the individual needs of each family they serve. They take great pride in their professional staff and are committed to building relationships of trust, caring for loved ones with the same dedication a family would expect. The business is a member of both the NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) and SAIF (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors).
T. Pennack and Sons offers a comprehensive range of funeral services, including pre-paid funeral plans through Golden Leaves, which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their personally answered 24-hour phone line ensures families can always reach a caring professional when they need support most.
"From the first meeting onwards we felt we were in capable & caring hands. Difficult decisions were made easier thanks to her input."
— DINAH Wood (about Sarah)
"T Pennack & Sons assisted our family back in 1987 and now once again in 2025. When the time comes that we need such services again, we know who we want to turn to."
— Richard F
"If ever there was a family suited to their profession, it is Sarah and Philip. Everyone is so compassionate and understanding, going that extra mile when it counts."
— Spencer Davis (about Sarah, Philip)
"From my first phone call to them on the dreadful evening that my husband passed, through to the funeral day itself, and after - organising the ashes collection for us - they were absolutely faultless. We were able to give my husband the best sendoff ever."
— Janet Defreitas
"When he arrived with the cars, he spoke to us in such a calm respectful way, telling us what was going to happen, and just keeping us going. It meant a lot and was just what was needed."
— Suzie Bishop (about Philip)
"Philip was a calming & supportive presence on the day & we were made to feel secure & safe throughout what could have been an even tougher day."
— DINAH Wood (about Philip)
Philip Pennack
Director
"Philip Pennack is an absolute credit to the industry. He looked after us and went above and beyond even having the flor…"
Sarah Pennack
Director
"Sarah listened to what we wanted and helped with suggestions where needed. We left on that day with a date and plan in …"
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Ready to speak to someone? A free, no-obligation call can help you understand the next steps.
If anything has changed, a quick call with a specialist can confirm.
A quick call with a specialist can help you figure out what applies.
Question of 3
Did the person who died own a property?
Including any property in their name, even if jointly owned.
Were there savings, investments, or other assets?
Bank accounts, shares, pensions, or valuables above a few thousand pounds.
Was there a will?
Even if you're not sure where it is, knowing one exists can change the process.
This can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. A probate specialist can walk you through the next steps — no obligation, no pressure.
That's one less thing to worry about. If anything changes or you'd like a quick confirmation, a specialist can put your mind at rest.
Many families don't have all the information straight away — that's completely normal. A quick chat with a specialist can help you understand what applies to your situation.
What the probate process looks like
Apply for Grant of Probate
Collect assets & close accounts
Pay debts & tax
Distribute the estate
A specialist handles all of this for you.
Trusted by thousands of families across the UK
You probably don't need to pay for the funeral yourself
The estate will likely go through probate, which means the funeral costs can be paid from the estate. You need a probate specialist to make this happen.
Sail Probate · Fixed fees, nothing upfront
Probate might not be needed
That means the funeral costs probably can't be covered this way. But every situation is different — a quick chat can confirm.
We need a bit more info
Don't worry — lots of people aren't sure at this stage. A quick chat can work out whether the funeral costs can be covered.
Want to talk it through?
Free, no obligation.
Want to check with a specialist?
Free, no obligation.
Want to find out for sure?
Free, no obligation.
Sail Probate · Trusted by thousands of families
A specialist will call you soon
Free, no-obligation advice from Sail Probate
What happens next
Request received
Just now
A specialist reviews your details
Within 1 hour
You'll receive a call
Within 24 hours
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Result saved
If you need help later, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
We'll give you a call
A Sail Probate specialist will talk you through everything and answer any questions.
Interested in: We handle everything (£6,000)
Interested in: Just the probate application (£1,000)
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
No problem
If you'd like to talk about probate or funeral costs, call Sail Probate free:
Lines open now Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · 0808 196 0258
Get in touch
Call 01245471157We'll call you back
T Pennack will be in touch shortly.
You've just taken the first step — contacting a funeral director.
See the full checklistLeave your number and T Pennack will call you back.
Free, no obligation. We'll pass your number to the director.
You've completed of 18 steps on the bereavement checklist.
Continue your checklist18 things to sort when someone dies — keep track so nothing gets missed.
See the full checklist
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Chelmsford, Essex. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, with independent complaints protection and transparent pricing to support your family.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Colchester, Essex. All members follow a strict Code of Practice, giving your family the care and protection you deserve.
Find trusted, NAFD-accredited funeral directors in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. All listed firms are independently vetted, rated 4.7/5 on average, and backed by a formal Code of Practice.
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